Behind the Spires

Latest Episodes:

Episode 38: USA250, Ysela Bravo & Shuan Butcher Jun 22, 2026

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Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us Behind the Spires with Ysela Bravo and Shawn Butcher, co‑chairs of the Frederick County USA 250 Commission, as they share how our community is preparing to commemorate America’s Semi quincentennial. Ysela and Shawn discuss their work with nonprofits, heritage tourism, arts, and local government; the origins and purpose of the America 250th celebrations; and why Frederick’s rich Revolutionary‑era history makes this milestone especially meaningful here. Learn how the Frederick County 250 Commission is partnering with municipalities, Visit Frederick, local historians, artists, cultural groups, and residents to create inclusive events that explore both the triumphs and complexities of America’s story. The BTS crew also preview July Fourth plans, the July 8 nationwide Declaration of Independence reading, volunteer opportunities, and how every resident can “find themselves in the 250” by connecting personal identity with history, community, and civic participation.👉 Check the City out: cityoffrederickmd.govStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory #usa250

City Update for 06.15.2026 Jun 16, 2026

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Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.Episode Links:- Budget - frederickmd.gov/FY27budget- Celebrate Frederick - celebratefrederick.com- Public Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings- cityoffrederickmd.gov#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Episode 37: Hill Street Skatepark, Jonathan Whitting Jun 02, 2026

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Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Jonathan shares why the existing skate park is being fully rebuilt. Learn how the city partnered with world‑renowned designers Grindline Skateparks, how community input is shaping features like skateable art, accessibility, and flow, and what upgrades are coming to the Park, including a new pump track, revitalized fields, and enhanced amenities. With insights into the design‑build process, public engagement, federal grants, and long‑term maintenance planning, this episode highlights the future of Frederick’s skate scene and the city’s investment in high‑quality recreational spaces! Plus watch never before seen footage of Tony Hawk Skating at the Hill Street Park Skatepark in 2011!👉 Check the City out: cityoffrederickmd.govStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!

City Update for 05.13.2026 May 13, 2026

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Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.Episode Links:- SECURE - frederickmd.gov/secure - Budget - frederickmd.gov/FY27budget- Mayor's Give a Day in May - frederickmd.gov/giveaday- Parking - frederickmd.gov/parking- Weinberg Center for the Arts - weinbergcenter.org- Fair Housing Commission - cityoffrederickmd.gov/131/Fair-Housing-Commission- Volunteering - hhs.cityoffrederickmd.gov/161/1737/Volunteering- Public Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings- cityoffrederickmd.gov#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Episode 36: Sustainability, Jenny Willoughby & Lauren Paulet May 11, 2026

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Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!

Join us with Jenny Willoughby and Lauren Paulette from the City of Frederick Sustainability Department as they break down what sustainability really means, from pollinator protection, Bee City USA Frederick, and native plant gardening to the city’s expanding composting program, clean water initiatives, and climate resilience work. Learn how Frederick’s new Climate & Energy Action Plan supports environmental equity, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens vulnerable communities.

Jenny and Lauren also share practical tips on native plants, supporting pollinators, bird habitat, and simple actions residents can take to make their homes and neighborhoods more sustainable. Whether you're interested in composting in Frederick, creating a pollinator-friendly yard, or getting involved in local sustainability events and outreach, this episode is packed with ways to protect the environment and build a greener Frederick.

👉 Check the City out: cityoffrederickmd.gov

👉 Check out Sustainability: https://cityoffrederickmd.gov/891/SustainabilityStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Episode 35 - LIVE | Mayor Give a Day in May May 07, 2026

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Join us Behind the Spires for a special LIVE episode at Frederick's City Hall as we kick off the Mayor’s Give a Day in May community service initiative. City employees, volunteers, and Blessings in a Backpack Frederick come together to pack weekend meal bags for students facing childhood hunger and food insecurity in Frederick.

Join Ed and Molly as they talk with organizer Shana Knight about volunteer opportunities, Mayor Michael O’Connor about the importance of community service and civic engagement, and Dr. Ashley Waters about how Blessings in a Backpack supports local families, weekend meals for kids, and the growing need in our community.

👉Learn how to get involved, make an impact, and support volunteering in Frederick throughout May at FrederickMD.gov/giveaday.

Stay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Episode 34 - City of Frederick Council Member, Sarah Hempel Irani Apr 20, 2026

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Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us for a conversation with Council Member Sarah Hempel Irani, artist, sculptor, and representative of Frederick’s District 5. She shares her journey from moving to Frederick as a young sculptor to creating the iconic Claire McCardell statue on Carroll Creek and ultimately running for the City of Frederick Council. She talks about the creative community, neighborhood identity, street safety, affordable and “price‑appropriate” housing, and the importance of supporting artists through studio space and cultural investment. Sarah also highlights the unique neighborhoods of District 5, ongoing discussions about zoning, density, and housing needs, and how residents can stay engaged through NAC meetings, City Minutes updates, and direct communication with Council Members.This episode offers an inspiring look at public service, community connection, and the role of the arts in shaping Frederick’s future.👉 Learn about your city council: frederickmd.gov/citycouncil👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Episode 33: Water Quality, Erin Signorella & Cullen McAskill Apr 13, 2026

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Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us on the latest episode of Behind the Spires as we chat with Erin Signorella and Cullen McAskill from the City of Frederick's Water Quality Department about how our drinking water stays clean and safe every day! Erin and Cullen break down how water is tested throughout the city, how wastewater and drinking water are monitored, what causes taste and odor changes, how PFAS (forever chemicals) and lead service lines are handled, and why Frederick’s tap water consistently meets strict state and federal standards. They also share tips for residents, explain the annual Consumer Confidence Report, and give a preview of their Earth Day activities! Whether you’re curious about water testing, treatment, compliance, or Frederick’s infrastructure, this episode highlights the team working behind the scenes to protect our most important resource: clean water!👉 Learn more about Frederick's Water Quality: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1719/Water-Quality-DepartmentStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

City Update for 04.03.2026 Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.Episode Links:- Police Chief Survey - https://communityfeedback.opengov.com/portals/frederickmd/Issue_14883- Budget - frederickmd.gov/FY27budget- Public Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings- cityoffrederickmd.gov#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Episode 32: The City of Frederick FY27 Budget, Mayor Michael O'Connor Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!

Join us for an insightful conversation with Mayor Michael O’Connor, returning for his third appearance on the podcast. The Mayor shares why he’s optimistic about the future of Frederick, Maryland, highlighting exciting community projects as Frederick continues to grow; reflecting on what makes the City of Frederick a welcoming, vibrant place to live.

We dive into the FY27 City of Frederick Budget, exploring how the administration prioritizes core city services, infrastructure improvements, public safety investments, expanded parks and recreation programming, and an innovative new early childhood and childcare initiative. Mayor O’Connor also breaks down the budget process, community engagement efforts, and how technology is helping modernize local government.

👉 Learn more the FY27 budget: frederickmd.gov/FY27budget

Stay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!

#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

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